300+ Free Backlink Sites
(2026 Ultimate List)
We've curated the most comprehensive list of directories where you can submit your products and get high-quality backlinks. All sites are verified and regularly updated.
Key Takeaways:
- • 300+ verified directories — 210+ offer free submissions, 150+ provide dofollow links, with DR ratings up to 96
- • Start with high-DR sites first — Product Hunt (DR 91), AlternativeTo (DR 82), and BetaList (DR 70) are the highest-impact free options
- • Pace matters more than volume — aim for 5-10 quality submissions per week to avoid triggering unnatural link-building flags
- • Expect 2-4 weeks for indexing — backlinks take 1-3 months to show noticeable ranking improvements; consistency beats one-time bursts
🔗 Access the Full Directory
Browse our interactive directory with advanced filtering by DR, price, category, and link type.
View Full DirectoryWhy Use Directory Submissions?
Directory submissions are one of the fastest and most reliable ways to build backlinks for your website. Unlike other link building methods, directories offer:
- ✓Predictable results - You know exactly what you're getting
- ✓Quick wins - Many sites approve submissions within days
- ✓Free options - 70%+ of directories offer free listings
- ✓Traffic potential - Some directories drive significant referral traffic
Top Free Backlink Sites by Category
🚀 Tech & Startup Directories
| Website | DR | Link Type | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product Hunt | 91 | Dofollow | Free |
| Hacker News | 91 | Dofollow | Free |
| BetaList | 70 | Dofollow | Free |
| AlternativeTo | 82 | Dofollow | Free |
🤖 AI Tool Directories
| Website | DR | Link Type | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| There's An AI For That | 72 | Dofollow | Free |
| Futurepedia | 66 | Dofollow | Free |
| AI Scout | 45 | Dofollow | Free |
Submission Tips
To get the most out of these directories, use an SEO tool to track which submissions actually earn you backlinks and referral traffic. Not sure which tool fits your budget? Our Mangools vs Ahrefs comparison covers both options for monitoring your backlink profile.
✨ Best Practices
- • Complete all profile fields
- • Use high-quality screenshots
- • Write unique descriptions
- • Add relevant categories/tags
⚠️ Avoid These Mistakes
- • Copy-pasting descriptions
- • Submitting to irrelevant sites
- • Rushing the process
- • Ignoring site guidelines
Frequently Asked Questions
Are directory backlinks still valuable for SEO in 2026?▼
Yes, but quality matters more than quantity. High-DR directories like Product Hunt (DR 91), AlternativeTo (DR 82), and BetaList (DR 70) pass meaningful link equity. Low-quality, spammy directories can hurt your rankings. Focus on directories with DR 40+ and real editorial standards.
What is the difference between dofollow and nofollow backlinks?▼
Dofollow backlinks pass link equity (SEO value) to your website, directly helping your search rankings. Nofollow backlinks tell search engines not to pass link equity, but they still drive referral traffic and brand visibility. A healthy backlink profile includes both types.
How many directory submissions should I do per week?▼
Aim for 5-10 quality submissions per week rather than mass submissions. Search engines may flag sudden spikes in backlinks as unnatural. Spread submissions over time, write unique descriptions for each directory, and prioritize sites relevant to your niche.
Do I need to pay for directory listings?▼
No. Over 210 directories on our list offer free submissions. Paid listings on high-DR sites can speed up approval and offer premium placement, but free submissions from quality directories are effective for building a solid backlink foundation.
How long does it take for directory backlinks to impact rankings?▼
Typically 2-4 weeks for search engines to crawl and index new backlinks, and 1-3 months to see noticeable ranking improvements. High-DR directory links tend to be indexed faster. Consistent submissions over time yield better results than one-time bursts.
Which directory categories should I submit to first?▼
Start with the highest-DR directories relevant to your product category. For tech and SaaS products, prioritize Product Hunt, Hacker News, AlternativeTo, and BetaList. For AI tools specifically, submit to There's An AI For That, Futurepedia, and AI Scout. Match your product to the directory's audience for the best results.
Ready to Start Building Backlinks?
Our directory is updated weekly with new sites. Start submitting today and watch your rankings improve!
Browse 300+ Directories